Buyer Database · Production Company · Updated
Plan B
Plan B is actively expanding into the UK and Europe through a newly launched London-based subsidiary while continuing to develop prestige non-fiction, documentary, and socially resonant narrative features for premium streamers and theatrical release.
Current mandate
Plan B occupies a distinct position in the prestige production landscape: a company that backs culturally significant, often difficult-to-finance projects across non-fiction, documentary, and narrative film, with premium streamer partnerships (Prime Video, Audible) and a growing theatrical footprint. Mediawan's 60% stake provides a European infrastructure backbone, and the company's Paris partnership through Mediawan complements its newly formalized London presence. What sets Plan B apart is its willingness to develop long-gestating, emotionally complex material. Its adaptation of "H Is For Hawk" has been in development since 2017, a timeline that signals genuine commitment to challenging prestige work rather than opportunistic packaging.
Recent productions reflect that positioning. Plan B produced Philippa Lowthorpe's feature adaptation of "H Is For Hawk" alongside Film4, with Lionsgate UK releasing the film in UK and Ireland cinemas. The company is also expanding from film into audio through its Audible partnership, and its mandate explicitly covers sports documentary, social justice subjects, and high-profile biographical non-fiction for premium streaming platforms.
The clearest access pathway into Plan B right now runs through its European expansion. The newly launched Plan B Europe subsidiary, headed by Ed McDonald in London, is actively building its UK and European slate, with Kleiner indicating more UK-based projects will be announced shortly. Writers and producers with prestige non-fiction, documentary, or socially resonant narrative projects rooted in UK or European subject matter are best positioned to engage at this moment.
Signature peaks
- Plan B Europe European Expansion — New London-based subsidiary launched, headed by Ed McDonald, targeting UK and European slate growth
- Since 2017 Long-Form Development Commitment — Plan B attached to 'H Is For Hawk' since 2017, now produced with Film4 and releasing theatrically via Lionsgate UK
- 60% stake Mediawan Partnership — Mediawan holds a 60% stake in Plan B, anchoring European co-production infrastructure including Paris partnerships
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- drama, thriller
- Territory focus
- Not disclosed
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- The primary access point at this moment is Plan B Europe, the newly launched London-based subsidiary headed by Ed McDonald. Kleiner has publicly stated that more UK-based projects will be announced shortly, placing the European team in active development mode. For US-originated material, access runs through literary agents and established co-production relationships. Premium streamer alignment (Prime Video, Audible) and subject matter in prestige non-fiction, documentary, sports, social justice, or biographical categories are baseline requirements for consideration.
- Deal structure
- Plan B structures projects around co-production partnerships (notably Film4 on "H Is For Hawk") and premium streamer output deals with Prime Video and Audible. Theatrical distribution is handled through third-party distributors such as Lionsgate UK. Mediawan's 60% stake shapes the company's European co-production architecture, with Paris-based infrastructure complementing the new London subsidiary. Development timelines can be extended, as the multi-year arc of "H Is For Hawk" illustrates.
Market context
"We're doing a lot of stuff here already... it feels like the right moment" to expand into the UK and Europe. — Plan B executive (Kleiner)
Major streamers paying premium prices for access-driven sports documentaries; sports organizations building in-house media production capabilities; Plan B expanding from film into audio and premium streaming
Common questions about Plan B
Does Plan B accept unsolicited scripts or project submissions?
Plan B does not have a publicized open submission policy and, like most prestige production companies of its scale, typically works through established relationships, agents, and co-production partners. The launch of Plan B Europe under Ed McDonald in London may create new entry points for UK and European-based writers and producers, particularly those with prestige non-fiction or documentary projects. Approaching through literary agents or producers already in the Plan B orbit remains the most reliable path.
How does Plan B attach to and develop projects?
Plan B develops projects over extended timelines, as demonstrated by its attachment to 'H Is For Hawk' since 2017, originally with Lena Headey set to direct before Philippa Lowthorpe came aboard. The company co-develops with partners such as Film4 and structures deals around premium streamer relationships, notably Prime Video and Audible. Its mandate covers prestige non-fiction, documentary, sports, social justice, and biographical subjects, suggesting it seeks material with clear cultural significance and a defined platform home.
What is Plan B currently producing?
Plan B recently produced Philippa Lowthorpe's feature adaptation of 'H Is For Hawk' alongside Film4, with Lionsgate UK releasing the film in UK and Ireland cinemas. The company is also expanding into audio through an Audible partnership and is building a UK and European slate through its newly launched Plan B Europe subsidiary. Kleiner has indicated that additional UK-based projects will be announced shortly, suggesting active development activity in that market.
Who leads Plan B and Plan B Europe?
Plan B's leadership includes executives identified in recent coverage as Gardner and Kleiner, who have spoken publicly about the company's global strategy and European expansion. Plan B Europe, the newly launched London-based subsidiary, is headed by Ed McDonald. Mediawan, which holds a 60% stake in Plan B, provides additional executive infrastructure through its Paris-based operations. Twelve decision makers are currently tracked across the organization according to recent market data.
How do you get a project to Plan B?
The most active access pathway right now is through Plan B Europe, the newly established London subsidiary headed by Ed McDonald, which is actively building its UK and European slate. Kleiner has publicly stated that more UK-based projects will be announced shortly, indicating the team is in active acquisition and development mode. For US-originated projects, the established route runs through literary representation and co-production partners. Projects in prestige non-fiction, documentary, sports, social justice, or biographical subjects with a clear premium streamer fit are best positioned.
Is Plan B actively acquiring new projects right now?
Plan B's overall deal velocity shows no recorded acquisitions in the past 90 days per current tracking data, but the company's structural activity tells a different story. It has launched a new European subsidiary, produced and released 'H Is For Hawk' theatrically, and its executives have publicly signaled imminent UK project announcements. The company is expanding from film into audio via Audible and deepening its premium streaming partnerships. The absence of logged deals in the short window does not indicate inactivity; it more likely reflects the company's longer development cycles.
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